The Dental Lighthouse with Dr. Jason Tanoory

January is busy. The schedule is packed. Production looks great. And a lot of dentists walk around feeling pretty good about it. Here’s the hard truth. A full January does not automatically mean you are running a healthy practice. In this episode, Dr. Jason breaks down why early-year busyness is often borrowed momentum from last year, not proof that your systems are working. Patients delayed treatment. Insurance reset. January always feels good. The real question is what happens in February and March. Jason unpacks: Why January production can create a false sense of security The difference between being busy and being sustainable The KPIs that actually predict future schedule health Why rushed hygiene and new patient exams quietly kill future production How avoiding discomfort now creates bigger problems later What “experiencing the pain now” really looks like in treatment planning This episode is a reminder that strong months are built on fundamentals, not luck or seasonal waves. If you want a full schedule all year, not just a great January, this conversation is for you. Listen in, slow down, and make sure your current success is something you can actually maintain.

In this episode of the Dental Lighthouse Podcast, Dr. Jason Tanoory takes you behind the curtain of a real coaching call with a fast-growing practice owner who knows the truth every leader eventually faces. Growth breaks systems before it breaks revenue. The practice is thriving. Revenue is climbing. The team is growing. And yet the wheels are starting to wobble because the hard conversations keep getting postponed. This episode tackles what most leaders avoid until it hurts: How to start one-on-one meetings without opening the floodgates to surprise raise requests Why avoiding clarity feels kind but actually creates resentment How to set expectations around compensation without being reactive What sustainable leadership looks like in a 3.5 to 4+ million dollar practice How to hold people accountable in real time without embarrassing them or damaging trust Jason walks through practical frameworks for one-on-ones, compensation timing, accountability conversations, and follow-up systems that actually stick. No theory. No leadership buzzwords. Just real talk from inside an actual coaching session. If you are growing fast, leading a bigger team than you ever have before, or feeling the quiet tension that comes from conversations left unsaid, this episode is your sign. Rip the Band-Aid off. Your team will thank you later.

Part Two gets real practical, real fast. J.D. pushes the conversation past “feedback is important” and straight into the messy scenarios leaders actually face: buying a practice with an existing team, inheriting an old culture, and trying to introduce a new set of expectations without lighting the place on fire. Jason breaks down: What you’re really buying in an acquisition (hint: cash flow and culture… and sometimes baggage with a name tag) Vision vs. core values: what’s non-negotiable from the owner, and where team buy-in matters How to roll out “rules of the house” when your team is 5 people vs. 25 people Why early-stage owners struggle most at 2–3 locations and what Jason would do differently (spoiler: build a monster flagship first) How peer-to-peer accountability should work up, down, and sideways in the org chart What to do when feedback is given well, but it’s not received well How leaders avoid collecting everyone’s “problem monkeys” and instead coach people to handle hard conversations themselves When something isn’t “your lane,” how to escalate it the right way, and the leadership question behind it all: Is this a hill I’m willing to die on? If Part One was about posting the speed limit, Part Two is about enforcing it, especially when you’re new, growing fast, or inheriting a team that’s been doing 55 in a school zone for years. Listen in if you’re building a culture that actually wins, not just one that looks good on a poster.

What happens when the rules are not posted and everyone is driving at a different speed? In Part One of this episode, Jason Tanoory is put in the hot seat by returning guest J.D. for a real, unfiltered conversation about feedback, accountability, and leadership inside a dental practice. This is not theory. This is lived experience. Jason breaks down why feedback is not optional if you want a healthy team, why avoiding hard conversations is actually selfish, and how unclear expectations quietly destroy culture. They dive into the difference between competency issues versus behavior issues, why one is easier to coach than the other, and how leaders can create an environment where feedback is expected, received, and acted on. You’ll hear practical language for tough conversations, why “posting the speed limit” matters more than being liked, and how core values only work when they are clearly defined, consistently reinforced, and actually lived out. If you’ve ever struggled with giving feedback, receiving feedback, or working in a practice where the rules feel fuzzy, this episode will hit close to home. Part Two goes even deeper. Start here.

This is a replay of one of our most downloaded episodes. If you’re newer here, this one’s a must-listen. In this insightful episode, we dive into the challenges of fostering teamwork and accountability within dental practices. Host Jason Tanoory unpacks common tensions among team members, from feelings of inequity to misunderstandings around workload. He introduces actionable strategies like prioritizing "team-focused" over "I-focused" tasks and building a culture of peer-to-peer accountability. Discover how implementing structured checklists, encouraging open communication, and embracing the principles of servant leadership can create a stronger, more cohesive team environment. If you’re looking to enhance collaboration and trust within your practice, this episode is packed with practical tips and thought-provoking insights. Tune in to learn how fostering mutual understanding and accountability can lead your team to collective success!

This is a replay of one of our most downloaded episodes. If you’re newer here, this one’s a must-listen. This hour-long episode is exactly what the title promises—Jason’s no-fluff guide to the actual habits, mindsets, and behaviors that define great leadership in a dental practice. Pulled straight from his coaching work and years in the trenches, this isn’t about lofty ideas. It’s about clarity, consistency, and courage. He covers: Why most “leadership problems” are actually clarity problems How to stop being the hero and start building real accountability The danger of trying to be liked instead of respected How to use the “5C’s” and servant leadership in real-world situations Packed with real stories and hard-won lessons, this episode is a roadmap for docs who want to lead without burning out—or bailing out. Whether you’re new to leadership or just tired of feeling stuck, this one’s worth every minute.

This is a replay of one of our most downloaded episodes. If you’re newer here, this one’s a must-listen. In this insightful episode of The Dental Lighthouse, Jason Tanoory sits down with Blake and Colin, two ambitious young dentists who are redefining what it means to succeed early in their careers. The conversation dives into their approaches to managing debt, building strong relationships with banks, and making calculated decisions for growth. Colin shares his bold strategy for leveraging high-risk opportunities to accelerate progress, while Blake offers wisdom on balancing optimism with responsibility in a competitive market. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your journey, this episode is filled with practical advice and inspiring stories to motivate you.

This is a replay of one of our most downloaded episodes. If you’re newer here, this one’s a must-listen. In this episode, we dive deep into the world of patient care and treatment coordination with Michelle, a seasoned expert in helping patients navigate complex dental decisions. Michelle shares her unique approach to building trust with patients, guiding them through treatment options, and finding creative financing solutions that ensure they receive the care they need. From discussing credit scores and financing plans like Cherry and Compassionate Finance to managing expectations and closing larger treatment cases, Michelle's insights are invaluable for treatment coordinators and dental professionals alike. Tune in to learn how she uses empathetic listening, clear communication, and a natural ability to connect with patients to drive successful case acceptance. Whether you're a new treatment coordinator looking for guidance or a seasoned professional seeking fresh ideas, this episode is packed with actionable tips you can implement right away.

This is a replay of one of our most downloaded episodes. If you’re newer here, this one’s a must-listen.  In this episode of The Dental Lighthouse, host Jason Tanoory welcomes Dr. Paul Goodman, known affectionately as "Dr. Nacho," to discuss the intricacies of dental insurance and the art of managing patient expectations. With years of experience as a practicing dentist and a passion for helping other dental professionals, Dr. Goodman shares his expertise on navigating the often-confusing landscape of insurance coverage. Proven strategies to navigate tough insurance-based questions from our patients They delve into effective communication strategies that can transform challenging conversations about treatment options and costs into opportunities for trust and understanding. Dr. Goodman emphasizes the importance of presenting clear, patient-centered solutions while balancing the realities of insurance limitations. Listeners will gain actionable insights on how to approach insurance discussions with confidence, ensuring patients feel informed and supported in their treatment decisions. Join Jason and Dr. Goodman for this enlightening conversation filled with practical tips and the wisdom gained from years of experience in the dental field. For more information on Dr. Goodman and his resources, visit Dental Nachos. Do you PARTICIPATE with my dental insurance?

Every dentist knows the panic of looking at a once packed schedule and suddenly seeing empty space where production should be. Is this just a seasonal dip, or a warning sign that something upstream has shifted? In this episode, Jason unpacks an email from a doctor who is drowning in hygiene checks and new patients yet somehow watching his production tank. Jason walks through the real culprit behind most schedule slowdowns. Spoiler: it usually isn’t marketing or patient flow. It’s rushed exams, rushed treatment presentations, and a hygiene ratio that quietly sabotages case acceptance long before you notice holes in your calendar. He breaks down the dangers of running three or four hygienists per doctor, the downstream effects on comprehensive dentistry, and why even strong offices can drift into reactive scheduling if they don’t track the right metrics. You’ll learn the two KPIs he insists every doctor monitors weekly. You’ll also hear practical strategies for preventing exam overload, protecting your time, and spotting production dips before they hit your bottom line. If you’ve ever stared at an empty afternoon and thought “What happened?”, this episode gives you the roadmap to diagnose and fix it. Check out thedentallighthouse.com for more information on joining the Better than Yesterday challenge.

This episode tackles a question every growing practice eventually hits. If the revenue looks good and the numbers are solid, do the little systems really matter? Jason’s short answer is yes. His long answer is a masterclass in how culture cracks form long before they show up in your production report. Jason breaks down real scenarios from coaching calls, including missed prescriptions that blow up into angry reviews and assistants skipping critical end of day steps that quietly chip away at morale. He explains why checklists are not about micromanagement. They are about protecting patient experience, preventing open loops, and preserving the trust that makes a team actually function. Numbers only tell you who produced. Systems tell you whether you can sustain it. If you want to lead a team that wins consistently instead of accidentally, this episode gives you the clearest argument yet for why the “boring” checklist might be the most important tool in your practice. Check out thedentallighthouse.com for more information on joining the Better than Yesterday challenge.

This episode dives straight into one of the most uncomfortable and most common realities of growing a practice. You bring on a new associate who is eager, competent, and settling in well. Then out of nowhere, your existing associate starts to feel threatened. A few passive aggressive comments here, a little eye rolling there, some whispered critiques about clinical work, and suddenly the culture you worked so hard to build has a hairline fracture running right through it. Jason breaks down exactly how to handle that moment before it spreads. You will hear how to communicate the “why” behind hiring, how to set clinical standards without micromanaging, and how to have the tough conversations that too many leaders avoid. He also walks you through the real power of peer-to-peer accountability and the point where you need to “open the kimono” so the team can help you drive behavior change. If you’ve ever onboarded an associate, plan to, or simply want to protect the culture you’ve built, this episode is a masterclass in addressing scarcity mindset, supporting new providers, and leading like an adult when things get messy. Check out thedentallighthouse.com for more information on joining the Better Than Yesterday challenge.

This episode is for the implementers. The people who want to feel better, lead better, and live better without overcomplicating it. Jason breaks down the new Better Than Yesterday Four Futures Challenge, a simple framework built around mind, meaning, muscle, and money that helps you tighten up your habits, get honest about your daily rhythms, and actually improve your life one day at a time. You will hear why we are rolling out a seven day test run in December so you can trip, stumble, learn, and adjust before the full thirty day challenge starts in January. Jason walks through each quadrant in detail, explains the intention behind it, and gives practical examples for both beginners and intermediates. Whether you need help dialing in your mindset, reconnecting with people who matter, moving your body with purpose, or finally understanding your money, this episode gives you a clear starting point. If you want the full template Kenzie built or you want to join us for the challenge, reach out. We will be going through it together inside the Dental Lighthouse community and helping each other stay on track. If you want to join us, please email jason@thedentallighthouse.com or visit thedentallighthouse.com.

What does it really take to grow from one practice to ten thriving locations without losing your mind or your margins? In this episode, Jason sits down with Dr. Hardik Chodavadia, co owner of a ten location group in Austin, Texas, to unpack the real story behind rapid but sustainable growth. From signing his very first lease sight unseen to leading a team of more than 80 people, Dr. Hardik shares what worked, what almost broke the business, and what he would do differently if he had to start again today. They dig into the messy middle of scaling: building from de novo instead of acquisition, bringing on partners, hiring a CEO, and learning how to lead when your role shifts from full time clinician to full time operator. You will hear how they structure their leadership team, use meetings to keep everyone aligned, centralize key functions like phones and billing, and protect culture across multiple locations. You will learn: How Dr. Hardik went from one six operatory startup to ten locations in under ten years The real role of office managers and doctors in leading each practice, and why not every associate should be a “leader of record” What their centralized model looks like for phones, claims, and billing, plus where they still keep things local How they think about mentors, partners, and specialists as they scale clinical services Why meetings, structure, and daily scorecard reviews are non negotiable in a multi location group The biggest risks that keep Dr. Hardik up at night, from marketing and new patient flow to over reliance on “rock star” employees without systems If you are serious about adding locations or turning your single site office into a true group, this conversation gives you a candid, behind the scenes look at what it actually takes.

Payroll feels heavy, team feels “busy,” and your profit is not where it should be. Are you actually overstaffed or just underperforming in the right places? This episode breaks that down so you can stop guessing and start leading. Jason walks through clear, practical benchmarks that tell you if your practice is staffed correctly or bloated, and what to do when the numbers say you have a problem. No drama, just data and hard truths. You will learn: How to use hygiene productivity ratios to see if you are losing money in the back What founder docs and associates should be producing per day to justify their support team The simple monthly “revenue per non dentist employee” metric that exposes overstaffing fast Where admin teams usually get bloated and how to decide what to keep in house vs outsource How to deal with C players, why avoiding those conversations is actually selfish, and how it steals from your family too If you feel trapped by payroll but guilty about cutting staff, this episode gives you a framework to decide with confidence, protect your culture, and pay your true A and B players what they deserve.

Most dentists grind today so they can live “someday.” Bigger practice. Bigger check. Then finally unplug, be present, and enjoy life. This episode challenges that mindset with a story that changed my life for good. I share the real lesson behind my friend Steve’s battle with brain cancer at age 47 and how his journey forced me to rethink the entire idea of grinding now so you can live later. If you think you’ll finally be happy after you sell, expand, or hit a magic number… this one will land hard. We dive into: • Why assuming you’ll “have time later” is the biggest lie we tell ourselves • A tactical approach to building an Ideal Week that protects your time, relationships, and health • How to be a driven entrepreneur without sacrificing your marriage, kids, or sanity • Why multitasking destroys both productivity and presence • The mindset shift that lets you win at work and at home right now, not five years from now This is part strategy, part wake-up call. You do not get tomorrow. Stop grinding blindly. Build a life you can be proud of today.

Ever feel like you’re stuck in “research mode,” analyzing your goals to death but never actually doing the thing? In this episode, Jason breaks down the simple three-step framework he’s been coaching heavily in his one-on-ones, group sessions, and even applying in his own strength training and weight loss journey. He unpacks: Initiation Why the hardest part is just starting. How overthinking kills momentum, and why imperfect action always beats perfect planning. Jason explains how to move forward even when you don’t have the full plan figured out. Consistency Once you start, the magic happens in the simple, repeatable reps. Whether it’s leadership communication, dieting, budgeting, or meeting cadence with your OM, Jason shares how small consistent actions beat big bursts of effort every time. Intensity Finally, how to ramp things up without burning yourself, your goals, or your team to the ground. Jason shares real stories from clients who set unreasonable targets, pushed too hard too fast, and how to course-correct into sustainable progress. If you're someone who hesitates before starting, someone who goes too hard too fast, or someone who needs clarity on building systems you can actually maintain, this episode will clean up your thinking and give you a roadmap for lasting growth. Share this with a teammate, spouse, or friend who needs a nudge to begin, a reminder to stay steady, or permission to stop redlining.

Dr. Jason shares his 20-minute Summer Boost talk on how to step back from the handpiece without stepping out of your practice. If you are hiring your first associate or shifting more time to leadership, this is your playbook. Instead of silver-bullet answers, Jason gives you the right questions that drive clarity, capacity, and calm. You’ll learn how to: Define a three-year vision you can actually execute Know if your facility and demand can support an associate Set smart hygiene-to-doctor ratios and schedules that don’t crush morale Onboard associates with checklists that prevent chaos Budget your income in three buckets: clinician, CEO, owner Build an Ideal Week so your calendar reflects your priorities Why listen: real world, no fluff, and zero heroics. Just the mindset and systems that let eight locations run while the owner takes a two-week Italy trip. Bring a notebook. Leave with a plan.

If you tiptoe around diagnoses, patients pay the price. In this candid riff, Dr. Jason challenges new associates and hygienists to stop under-diagnosing out of fear and start telling patients what they actually need, with empathy and clarity. He uses common-sense analogies (optometrist, mechanic, primary care) to show why “let’s watch it” is often just avoidance, then lays out simple language to present perio care, restorations, and time-of-service expectations without drama. You’ll learn: How to replace scarcity and fear with professional confidence Language that is firm, kind, and rooted in patient benefit When to present treatment now versus truly re-evaluate later How leaders can coach providers who keep punting hard conversations A checklist for clear recommendations, consent, and next steps Share this with your clinical team. Patients trust you for the truth, not a comfortable maybe.

Silence breeds stories. In this solo riff, Dr. Jason lays out why leaders must over communicate the why behind goals, policies, and changes. He unpacks the John Gordon principle that in the absence of communication people fill the gap with negativity, then shows how to prevent that with clear, simple context. You’ll learn: How to anchor big goals in a clear purpose so teams buy in What to say when rolling out time-of-service collections How to frame assisted hygiene days so no one assumes you’re “turning into a mill” A repeatable script to explain the why quickly and move forward When pushback is useful and when it is just “we’ve always done it this way” If you want fewer rumors and more results, start leading with the why. Every time.